Systems and Methods for Determining Space Availability in an Aircraft

ABSTRACT

An example system for determining space availability in an aircraft includes a plurality of laser sensors configured to be positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate outputs. The system also includes one or more processors in communication with the plurality of laser sensors for executing instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media to perform functions including receiving the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, mapping contents of the baggage container based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, and based on said mapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/797,061, filed on Feb. 21, 2020, the entirecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to determining spaceavailability in an aircraft, and more particularly to mapping contentsof baggage containers based on outputs from laser sensors.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft scheduling and high utilization is desirable. Boardingprocesses can be time consuming with a large number of passengersboarding with carry-on luggage. In aircraft, cabin baggage space islimited, and generally, current processes are random and include afirst-come first-serve basis. Overhead bins in aircraft can havevariable amounts of open space based on types and sizes of baggageplaced in the bins.

Currently, crew members typically manually look to find open spacewithin overhead bins for passengers as the aircraft fills up. Thisprocess can become time consuming and slow down the boarding process.

SUMMARY

In an example, a system for determining space availability in anaircraft is described. The system comprises a plurality of laser sensorsconfigured to be positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and asecond wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. Theplurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container anddetect reflected responses to generate outputs. The system alsocomprises one or more processors in communication with the plurality oflaser sensors for executing instructions stored in non-transitorycomputer readable media to perform functions including receiving theoutputs from the plurality of laser sensors, mapping contents of thebaggage container based on the outputs from the plurality of lasersensors, and based on said mapping, outputting data indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container.

In another example, a method for determining space availability in anaircraft is described. The method comprises receiving outputs from aplurality of laser sensors positioned in a baggage container at a firstwall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face eachother. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggagecontainer and detect reflected responses to generate the outputs. Themethod also comprises mapping contents of the baggage container based onthe outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, and based on saidmapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggagecontainer.

In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable media isdescribed having stored therein executable instructions, which whenexecuted by a computing device having one or more processors causes thecomputing device to perform functions. The functions comprise receivingoutputs from a plurality of laser sensors positioned in a baggagecontainer of an aircraft at a first wall and a second wall of thebaggage container, and the first wall and the second wall face eachother. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggagecontainer and detect reflected responses to generate the outputs. Thefunctions also comprise mapping contents of the baggage container basedon the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, and based on saidmapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggagecontainer.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yetother examples. Further details of the examples can be seen withreference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examplesare set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples,however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives anddescriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative example of the presentdisclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft that includes a nose, wings, a fuselage,and a tail, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system for determining spaceavailability in the aircraft, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fuselage looking aft,according to an example implementation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the overhead bins, according to anexample implementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the overhead bins with the doors in anopen position, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the overhead bins with the doorsin an open position, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the overhead bins with the doorsin an open position and with contents positioned inside the overheadbins, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example operation of a lasersensor, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a flowchart of example operationof the laser sensor, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual illustration of a crew member and a console,according to an example implementation.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the overhead bin with a display, accordingto an example implementation.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an example of a method for determiningspace availability in an aircraft, according to an exampleimplementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all ofthe disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples maybe described and should not be construed as limited to the examples setforth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Cabin baggage space in aircrafts are limited and it is important to usethe space in a methodical way. Current processes are random and afirst-come-first-serve basis. Unavailability of room for cabin bags cancause customer grievance and confusion before take-off. Examplesdescribed herein utilize a sensor-visualization system and method fordetermining space availability in an aircraft. For example, a system isdescribed that utilizes a plurality of laser sensors configured to bepositioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall. Theplurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container anddetect reflected responses to generate outputs. A processor incommunication with the plurality of laser sensors receives the outputsfrom the plurality of laser sensors, maps contents of the baggagecontainer based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, andbased on said mapping, outputs data indicative of occupied space in thebaggage container.

The systems and methods described herein will provide improved customerexperience, easy access of baggage space availability for crew andpassengers, and add safety features to avoid excess loading of baggagespace.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft 100 thatincludes a nose 110, wings 120 a-b, a fuselage 125, and a tail 130,according to an example implementation. The aircraft 100 includes manyareas arranged for storage of items during flight. In one example, thefuselage 125 includes storage underneath a passenger compartment forstoring luggage and other items or supplies. In another example, thepassenger compartment in the fuselage 125 includes overhead bins andunder seat areas for storing further items.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system 140 for determining spaceavailability in the aircraft 100, according to an exampleimplementation. In FIG. 2, the system 140 includes a plurality of lasersensors 150 configured to be positioned in a baggage container 154 at afirst wall 156 and a second wall 158, and the first wall 156 and thesecond wall 158 face each other. The plurality of laser sensors 150 emitsignals 188 within the baggage container 154 and detect reflectedresponses 210 to generate outputs 211. The system also includes one ormore processors 160 in communication with the plurality of laser sensors150 for executing instructions 162 stored in non-transitory computerreadable media 164 to perform functions including receiving the outputsfrom the plurality of laser sensors 150, mapping contents of the baggagecontainer 154 based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors150, and based on said mapping, outputting data 212 indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container 154.

The system 140 can be included on the aircraft 100 or in an interior ofthe aircraft 100, although the aircraft 100 itself may not be acomponent of the system 140. Thus, the system 140 can be a stand-alonecomponent separate from the aircraft 100, and the system 140 includesmultiple elements, at least some of which may be located or positionedon or within the aircraft 100, for example. In some other examples, atleast some of the components of the system 140 may be positioned in aground-control system as well, such as the components for processing andanalyzing outputs of the plurality of laser sensors 150.

In FIG. 2, the system 140 is shown to include a computing device 166that houses the processors 160. The computing device 166 may be locatedon-board the aircraft 100 or within a ground computing system as well.To perform the functions noted above, the computing device 166 includesa communication interface 168, an output interface 170, and eachcomponent of the computing device 166 is connected to a communicationbus 172. The computing device 166 may also include hardware to enablecommunication within the computing device 166 and between the computingdevice 166 and other devices (not shown). The hardware may includetransmitters, receivers, and antennas, for example.

The communication interface 168 may be a wireless interface and/or oneor more wireline interfaces that allow for both short-rangecommunication and long-range communication to one or more networks or toone or more remote devices. Such wireless interfaces may provide forcommunication under one or more wireless communication protocols,Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., an institute of electrical and electronicengineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), cellularcommunications, near-field communication (NFC), and/or other wirelesscommunication protocols. Such wireline interfaces may include anEthernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or similarinterface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxialcable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connectionto a wireline network. Thus, the communication interface 168 may beconfigured to receive input data from one or more devices, and may alsobe configured to send output data to other devices.

The non-transitory computer readable media 164 may include or take theform of memory, such as one or more computer-readable storage media thatcan be read or accessed by the one or more processors 160. Thecomputer-readable storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatilestorage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memoryor disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with theone or more processors 160. The non-transitory computer readable media164 is considered non-transitory computer readable media. In someexamples, the non-transitory computer readable media 164 can beimplemented using a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic,organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other examples,the non-transitory computer readable media 164 can be implemented usingtwo or more physical devices.

The non-transitory computer readable media 164 thus is a computerreadable medium, and the instructions 162 are stored thereon. Theinstructions 162 include computer executable code.

The one or more processors 160 may be general-purpose processors orspecial purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors, applicationspecific integrated circuits, etc.). The one or more processors 160 mayreceive inputs from the communication interface 168 as well as outputsfrom other sensors (e.g., the plurality of laser sensors 150), andprocess them to generate outputs that are stored in the non-transitorycomputer readable media 164. The one or more processors 160 can beconfigured to execute the instructions 162 (e.g., computer-readableprogram instructions) that are stored in the non-transitory computerreadable media 164 and are executable to provide the functionality ofthe computing device 166 described herein.

The output interface 170 outputs information for reporting or storage,and thus, the output interface 170 may be similar to the communicationinterface 168 and can be a wireless interface (e.g., transmitter) or awired interface as well.

The computing device 166 and/or the processors 160 can output dataindicative of the occupied space in the baggage container 154 to adisplay 174. The display 174 may be located in a number of areas, suchas on the baggage container 154, near crew members, or on a controlboard of the aircraft 100.

The computing device 166 and/or the processors 160 can additionally oralternatively output data indicative of the occupied space in thebaggage container 154 to an aircraft controller 176. The aircraftcontroller 176 may include a computing device and can be programmed toperform functions based on the space availability in the baggagecontainer 154. Example functions include providing an audio informationnotice of space availability including use of speakers in the cabin ofthe aircraft, causing door(s) of the baggage container to close when nofurther space availability, or still other functions.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates only one baggage container, the system 140may include the plurality of laser sensors 150 configured to bepositioned in multiple baggage containers. The computing device 166 canthen process outputs of the plurality of laser sensors 150 to determinespace availability in each of the different baggage containers.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fuselage 125 lookingaft, according to an example implementation. As mentioned above, thefuselage 125 has a passenger compartment including seating 178 forpassengers. In the passenger compartment, the baggage container 154(shown in FIG. 2) takes the form of an overhead bin 180 in the aircraft100. Typically, many overhead bins are included, such as one per row orone per multiple rows of the seating 178. In addition, multiple overheadbins are typically included on each side of an aisle between the seating178, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 also illustrates additional storage compartments 182 underneaththe passenger compartment. In FIG. 3, the baggage container (shown inFIG. 2) alternatively or additionally takes the form of the additionalstorage compartments 182 for storage of items. For example, passengersmay check luggage and other items for travel, which can be positioned inthe storage compartments 182 for travel.

Furthermore, the baggage container 154 may be included or positioned inother areas of the fuselage 125 or in other areas of the aircraft 100 aswell.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the overhead bin 180, shown as overheadbins 180 a-b, according to an example implementation. The overhead bins180 a-b include doors 184 a-b, which can be manually opened and closed,and in FIG. 4 the doors 184 a-b are shown in a closed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the overhead bins 180 a-b with thedoors 184 a-b in an open position, according to an exampleimplementation. Inside the overhead bins 180 a-b, the plurality of lasersensors 150 are shown to be positioned at a wall 186 of the overheadbins 180 a-b. The plurality of laser sensors 150 emit signals 188, suchas laser beams, within the overhead bins 180 a-b. The plurality of lasersensors 150 may be positioned so as not to be in a line-of-sight of auser or passenger, for example.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the overhead bins 180 a-b with thedoors 184 a-b in an open position, according to an exampleimplementation. In FIG. 6, the plurality of laser sensors 150 are shownpositioned on the wall 186, which may be considered the first wall 156(as shown in FIG. 2). Additional laser sensors are positioned in theoverhead bin 180 a at the opposite wall 190, which may be considered thesecond wall 158 (as shown in FIG. 2). The wall 186 and the opposite wall190 face each other. In this configuration, the plurality of lasersensors 150 are positioned to emit the signals within the overhead bins180 a in a horizontal direction.

The overhead bin 180 a also may include a second plurality of lasersensors 192 positioned at a base 194 of the overhead bin 180 a, and thesecond plurality of laser sensors 192 are positioned to emit the signalswithin the overhead bins 180 a in a vertical direction, or in adirection perpendicular to the direction of emission of signals by theplurality of laser sensors 150.

The overhead bin 180 a may also include a third plurality of lasersensors 196 positioned in the overhead bin 180 a at a ceiling 198 of theoverhead bin 180 a, and the third plurality of laser sensors 196 arepositioned to emit the signals within the overhead bins 180 a in avertical direction, or in a direction perpendicular to the direction ofemission of signals by the plurality of laser sensors 150.

Still further, the overhead bin 180 a may also include a fourthplurality of laser sensors 200 positioned in the overhead bin 180 a toemit signals within the overhead bin 180 a at an angle offset from ahorizontal direction, as shown in FIG. 6.

Thus, the plurality of laser sensors 150, the second plurality of lasersensors 192, the third plurality of laser sensors 196, and the fourthplurality of laser sensors 200 generate a laser beam grid within thebaggage container. Not all groupings of laser sensors are required togenerate the grid, however, and less laser sensors can be utilizeddepending on size and configuration of the baggage container, forexample.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the overhead bins 180 a-b with thedoors 184 a-b in an open position and with contents positioned insidethe overhead bins 180 a-b, according to an example implementation. Forexample, a container 202 and a briefcase 204 are positioned inside theoverhead bin 180 a. The plurality of laser sensors 150 (and other groupsof laser sensors, if present, such as the second plurality of lasersensors 192) emit signals within the overhead bin 180 a and detectreflected responses to generate outputs.

Within examples, the plurality of laser sensors 150 (and other groups oflaser sensors, if present, such as the second plurality of laser sensors192) are activated at times before take-off and after landing of theaircraft to reduce power consumption while in-flight. Activation anddeactivation of the system 140 can be manual by crew members. In someexamples, the processors 160 can also receiving a weight on wheel sensoroutput (e.g., from a control system of the aircraft that is indicativeof the aircraft being on ground), and based on the weight on wheelsensor output, the processors 160 activate or deactivate the pluralityof laser sensors 150. For example, when the weight on wheel sensoroutput indicates that the aircraft is on ground, the plurality of lasersensors 150 are activated, and when the weight on wheel sensor outputindicates that the aircraft is in air, the plurality of laser sensors150 are deactivated.

In further examples, the overhead bins 180 a-b and include sensorscoupled to the doors 184 a-b or to latches of the doors, and theprocessors 160 can activate (or deactivate) the plurality of lasersensors 150 only when the doors 184 a-b are open. Such sensors mayalternatively be decoupled from the doors 184 a-b, and can include lightsensors, so that when the doors 184 a-b are closed, the light sensorsprovide outputs to the processors 160 that can be processed to determinethe doors 184 a-b are closed.

Within one example, in operation, when the instructions 162 are executedby the one or more processors 160 of the computing device 166, the oneor more processors 160 are caused to perform functions for receiving theoutputs from the plurality of laser sensors 150 (and other groups oflaser sensors, if present, such as the second plurality of laser sensors192), and mapping contents of the overhead bin 180 a based on theoutputs from the plurality of laser sensors 150. In this example, theplurality of laser sensors 150 can measure distance to an object byilluminating the object with laser light and measuring reflected lightwith a sensor. Then, differences in laser return times and wavelengthscan be used to generate digital representations of the object. Forexample, distance to the object is determined by recording the timebetween transmitted and backscattered laser pulses and by using thespeed of light to calculate the distance traveled. Mapping contents ofthe overhead bin 180 a may be performed using known techniques andstandards as well, such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors,for example. Mapping contents of the overhead bin 180 a includesdetermining a positional arrangement of the contents in the overhead bin180 a, and positional relationships between the contents as well.

The mapping can be performed by further processing the outputs from theplurality of laser sensors 150, the outputs from the second plurality oflaser sensors 192, the outputs from the third plurality of laser sensors196, the outputs from the fourth plurality of laser sensors 200, or fromoutputs based on the laser beam grid.

In still further examples, one or more weight sensors 195 may bepositioned at the base 194 of the overhead bin 180 a (or baggagecontainer) for providing an output to the one or more processors 160indicative of presence of an object in the overhead bin 180 a. Themapping of the contents of the overhead bin 180 a can then alternativelyor additionally be based on the output from the one or more weightsensors 195.

Following, based on the mapping, the one or more processors 160 outputdata indicative of occupied space in the overhead bin 180 a.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example operation of a lasersensor, according to an example implementation. In FIG. 8, a lasersensor 206 (e.g., emitter diode) is positioned in the wall 186 using aretainer 208. For example, the laser sensor 206 can be attached or maybe fastened to the wall 186 by threads and the retainer 208 may be a nutto secure the laser sensor 206 to the wall 186. The laser sensor 206emits a signal, such as the laser beam, and detects reflected responses,such as reflected response 210. The reflected response 210 may begenerated by the laser beam hitting an object (e.g., the briefcase 204).The laser sensor 206 provides an output 211 to the processors 160, viawires or via a wireless output (when a transmitter is coupled to thelaser sensor 206), and the processor 160 generates the mapping ofcontents in the overhead bin 180 a. The processors 160 then can providethe data indicative of occupied space in the overhead bin 180 a to thedisplay 174, for example.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a flowchart of example operationof the laser sensor 206, according to an example implementation.Initially, a power supply of the laser sensor 206 is coupled to thelaser sensor 206, and the laser sensor is activated, as shown at blocks220 and 222. One or more laser beams 224 are emitted, and outputs (e.g.,reflected responses) are received, as shown at block 226. The lasersensor 206 then provides an output to the processors 160, at block 228,and the processors 160 generate data indicative of occupied space in theoverhead bin 180 a for visualization to crew members (at block 230) andto passengers (at block 232). Visualization to the crew members can bevia a console, as shown at block 234. Visualization to the passengerscan be via a display on the overhead bin 180 a, as shown at block 236.

In sum, the laser beams from the laser sensor 206 (and from all sensorsof the plurality of laser sensors) pass through the overhead baggagebins, and the laser sensors in turn capture information of baggage ineach compartment, measure dimensions of the baggage, and provide outputsto the processors to analyze space availability. Informationrepresenting the space availability can be illustrated in real time on adigital monitor, for example.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual illustration of a crew member and a console 238,according to an example implementation. The console 238 may be a digitalmonitor, and can include a graphical user interface or graphicaldepictions of seating in the aircraft and associated overhead bins perseating or seat number. Different colors or graphical indicators 239 canbe used to represent occupied space vs. available space in eachindividual overhead bin, for example.

In some examples, the console 238 can be included on a handheld portabledevice carried by crew members, for example.

The console 238 can also be useful to assist with passengers exiting theaircraft to determine if all baggage has been claimed by passengers. Inan instance where a baggage is left behind, the crew members will haveknowledge of contents of the baggage containers and can determine whichcontainers, if any, still include objects.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the overhead bin 180 a with a display 240,according to an example implementation. The overhead bin has storageavailable per unit areas for multiple baggage (e.g., such as perindividual seats in a row on the aircraft), and the data indicative ofoccupied space in the overhead bin 180 a can be indicative of occupiedspace per unit area in the overhead bin 180 a. Thus, the display 240 canbe divided into three parts representative of the unit areas in theoverhead bin 180 a, and different colors can be used to represent spaceavailable, such as indicating fully occupied, not occupied, or partiallyoccupied, for example.

Thus, the display 240 can be mounted proximal to the overhead bin 180 a(or baggage container), such as on the door 184 or on other areas nextto or adjacent to the overhead bin 180 a. The display 240 can displayone or more indicators of the occupied space in the baggage container onthe display 240 based on the data indicative of occupied space in thebaggage container.

In another example, the display 240 can display information includingapproximate amount of space unoccupied in the overhead bin 180 a basedon the data indicative of occupied space in the overhead bin 180 a. Thedisplay 240 can be a digital monitor, and can thus display approximatedimensions of available space, for example. The display 240 may furtherillustrate information indicative of the occupied space in the overheadbin 180 a per seat number where the overhead bin 180 a is located in theaircraft.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an example of a method 250 for determiningspace availability in an aircraft, according to an exampleimplementation. Method 250 shown in FIG. 12 presents an example of amethod that could be used with the aircraft 100 shown in FIG. 1, withthe system 140 shown in FIG. 2, or with the computing device 166 shownin FIG. 2, for example. Further, devices or systems may be used orconfigured to perform logical functions presented in FIG. 12. In someinstances, components of the devices and/or systems may be configured toperform the functions such that the components are actually configuredand structured (with hardware and/or software) to enable suchperformance. In other examples, components of the devices and/or systemsmay be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performingthe functions, such as when operated in a specific manner. Method 250may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustratedby one or more of blocks 252-256. Although the blocks are illustrated ina sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel,and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, thevarious blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided intoadditional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

It should be understood that for this and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of onepossible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each blockor portions of each block may represent a module, a segment, or aportion of program code, which includes one or more instructionsexecutable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions orsteps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type ofcomputer readable medium or data storage, for example, such as a storagedevice including a disk or hard drive. Further, the program code can beencoded on a computer-readable storage media in a machine-readableformat, or on other non-transitory media or articles of manufacture. Thecomputer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readablemedium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media thatstores data for short periods of time like register memory, processorcache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium mayalso include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent longterm storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks,compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computerreadable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storagesystems. The computer readable medium may be considered a tangiblecomputer readable storage medium, for example.

In addition, each block or portions of each block in FIG. 12, and withinother processes and methods disclosed herein, may represent circuitrythat is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process.Alternative implementations are included within the scope of theexamples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved,as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block 252, the method 250 includes receiving outputs from theplurality of laser sensors 150 positioned in the baggage container 154at the first wall 156 and the second wall 158, and the first wall 156and the second wall 158 face each other. The plurality of laser sensors150 emit signals within the baggage container 154 and detect reflectedresponses to generate the outputs.

At block 254, the method 250 includes mapping contents of the baggagecontainer 154 based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors150.

In one example, the plurality of laser sensors 150 are positioned toemit the signals within the baggage container in a horizontal direction,and the method 250 includes receiving outputs from the second pluralityof laser sensors 192 positioned in the baggage container 154 at a baseof the baggage container 154 and the second plurality of laser sensors192 are positioned to emit the signals within the baggage container 154in a vertical direction, receiving outputs from the third plurality oflaser sensors 196 positioned in the baggage container 154 at a ceilingof the baggage container 154 and the third plurality of laser sensors196 are positioned to emit the signals within the baggage container 154in a vertical direction, and the plurality of laser sensors 150, thesecond plurality of laser sensors 192, and the third plurality of lasersensors 196 generate a laser beam grid within the baggage container 154.In this example, mapping the contents of the baggage container 154includes mapping the contents of the baggage container 154 based on thelaser beam grid.

At block 256, the method 250 includes based on said mapping, outputtingdata indicative of occupied space in the baggage container 154. In oneexample, outputting the data indicative of occupied space in the baggagecontainer 154 includes further includes outputting data indicative ofunoccupied space in the baggage container 154.

In further examples, the method 250 can include determining dimensionsof baggage in the baggage container 154 based on the outputs from theplurality of laser sensors 150. For example, a three-dimensional mappingof contents of the baggage container 154 can be performed, usingtraditional LIDAR and laser mapping techniques, to identify dimensionsof baggage or items included in the baggage container 154 to assist withdetermination of additional available space. The dimensions of thebaggage container 154 are known, and once dimensions of the baggage inthe baggage container 154 are known, the available space will be thedifference.

In further examples, the method 250 can includes displaying one or moreindicators of the occupied space in the baggage container 154 on adisplay (e.g., the display 240) mounted proximal to the baggagecontainer 154, based on the data indicative of occupied space in thebaggage container 154.

Note that although this disclosure has described use of the methods andsystems for use on aircraft, the same functions apply equally to use ofthe methods and system on board any type of vehicle in order todetermine space availability of containers or different areas (such aswithin automobiles, boats, etc.). The methods and systems can also finduse within non-vehicles or stationary areas to determine spaceavailability of containers or different objects, for example. Moreover,the methods and systems can be implemented in any area used for storageto enhance space utilization, including other vehicles and structures.

The methods and systems described herein helps crew members to easilydetermine available space in bins and allocate baggage accordingly toensure on-time flight take-off. The systems and methods further canreduce on-boarding time, reduce efforts by crew to find baggage space,enhance safety of baggage stowage for passengers by not over-loadingbaggage containers, and improves customer experience.

By the term “substantially” and “about” used herein, it is meant thatthe recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achievedexactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example,tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations andother factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that donot preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Different examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosedherein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities.It should be understood that the various examples of the system(s),device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of thecomponents, features, and functionalities of any of the other examplesof the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein in anycombination or any sub-combination, and all of such possibilities areintended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

The description of the different advantageous arrangements has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous examplesmay describe different advantages as compared to other advantageousexamples. The example or examples selected are chosen and described inorder to best explain the principles of the examples, the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various examples with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for determining space availability in anaircraft, the system comprising: a first plurality of laser sensorsconfigured to be positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and asecond wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall face each other;a second plurality of laser sensors positioned in the baggage containerat a base of the baggage container; a third plurality of laser sensorspositioned in the baggage container at a ceiling of the baggagecontainer, wherein the first plurality of laser sensors, the secondplurality of laser sensors, and the third plurality of laser sensorsgenerate a laser beam grid within the baggage container; and one or moreprocessors in communication with the first plurality of laser sensors,the second plurality of laser sensors, and the third plurality of lasersensors for executing instructions stored in non-transitory computerreadable media to perform functions including: receiving the outputsfrom the first plurality of laser sensors, the second plurality of lasersensors, and the third plurality of laser sensors; mapping contents ofthe baggage container based on the laser beam grid; and based on saidmapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggagecontainer.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the baggage containerincludes an overhead bin in the aircraft.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the baggage container includes an overhead bin in the aircraft,and the overhead bin has storage available per unit areas for multiplebaggage, and wherein outputting the data indicative of occupied space inthe baggage container comprises: outputting the data indicative ofoccupied space per unit area in the baggage container.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein outputting the data indicative of occupied space in thebaggage container further comprises: outputting data indicative ofunoccupied space in the baggage container.
 5. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a display mounted proximal to the baggage container,and wherein the functions further comprise displaying one or moreindicators of the occupied space in the baggage container on the displaybased on the data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container.6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a display, and wherein thefunctions further comprise displaying information indicative of theoccupied space in the baggage container on the display includingapproximate amount of space unoccupied based on the data indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein displaying the information indicative of the occupied space inthe baggage container comprises displaying the information per seatnumber where the baggage container is located in the aircraft.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of laser sensors arepositioned to emit the signals within the baggage container in ahorizontal direction, and wherein the second plurality of laser sensorsare positioned to emit the signals within the baggage container in avertical direction.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: afourth plurality of laser sensors positioned in the baggage container toemit signals within the baggage container at an angle offset from ahorizontal direction, and to provide outputs to the one or moreprocessors, and wherein mapping the contents of the baggage containerfurther comprises mapping the contents of the baggage container based onthe outputs from the fourth plurality of laser sensors.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein the functions further comprise: determiningdimensions of baggage in the baggage container based on the outputs fromthe first plurality of laser sensors.
 11. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: one or more weight sensors positioned at a base of thebaggage container for providing an output to the one or more processorsindicative of presence of an object in the baggage container, andwherein mapping the contents of the baggage container further comprisesmapping the contents of the baggage container based on the output fromthe one or more weight sensors.
 12. A system for determining spaceavailability in an aircraft, the system comprising: a plurality of lasersensors configured to be positioned in a baggage container at a firstwall and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall faceeach other, wherein the plurality of laser sensors emit signals withinthe baggage container and detect reflected responses to generateoutputs; and one or more processors in communication with the pluralityof laser sensors for executing instructions stored in non-transitorycomputer readable media to perform functions including: receiving aweight on wheel sensor output; and based on the weight on wheel sensoroutput, activating or deactivating the plurality of laser sensors; basedon activating the plurality of laser sensors, receiving the outputs fromthe plurality of laser sensors; mapping contents of the baggagecontainer based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors; andbased on said mapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space inthe baggage container.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the baggagecontainer includes an overhead bin in the aircraft.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the baggage container includes an overhead bin in theaircraft, and the overhead bin has storage available per unit areas formultiple baggage, and wherein outputting the data indicative of occupiedspace in the baggage container comprises: outputting the data indicativeof occupied space per unit area in the baggage container.
 15. The systemof claim 12, wherein outputting the data indicative of occupied space inthe baggage container further comprises: outputting data indicative ofunoccupied space in the baggage container.
 16. The system of claim 12,further comprising: a display mounted proximal to the baggage container,and wherein the functions further comprise displaying one or moreindicators of the occupied space in the baggage container on the displaybased on the data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container.17. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a display, and whereinthe functions further comprise displaying information indicative of theoccupied space in the baggage container on the display includingapproximate amount of space unoccupied based on the data indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container.
 18. A system for determiningspace availability in an aircraft, the system comprising: a firstplurality of laser sensors configured to be positioned in a baggagecontainer at a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall andthe second wall face each other, wherein the first plurality of lasersensors are positioned to emit signals within the baggage container in ahorizontal direction; a second plurality of laser sensors positioned inthe baggage container at a base of the baggage container, wherein thesecond plurality of laser sensors are positioned to emit signals withinthe baggage container in a vertical direction; a third plurality oflaser sensors positioned in the baggage container at a ceiling of thebaggage container, wherein the third plurality of laser sensors arepositioned to emit signals within the baggage container in the verticaldirection; a fourth plurality of laser sensors positioned in the baggagecontainer to emit signals within the baggage container at an angleoffset from a horizontal direction; and one or more processors incommunication with the plurality of laser sensors for executinginstructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media to performfunctions including: receiving the outputs from the first plurality oflaser sensors, the second plurality of laser sensors, the thirdplurality of laser sensors, and the fourth plurality of laser sensors;mapping contents of the baggage container based on the outputs from thefirst plurality of laser sensors, the second plurality of laser sensors,the third plurality of laser sensors, and the fourth plurality of lasersensors; and based on said mapping, outputting data indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the baggage container includes an overhead bin in the aircraft.20. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a display mountedproximal to the baggage container, and wherein the functions furthercomprise displaying one or more indicators of the occupied space in thebaggage container on the display based on the data indicative ofoccupied space in the baggage container.